A 148-hectare site is set to be converted into the first eco-park of its kind, featuring hiking trails, picnic areas and wildlife rehabilitation. Planned for the heart of Currumbin Valley, the park represents a new milestone in the region’s continued commitment to conservation.

With a dual focus on conservation and wildlife protection, the eco-park has been designed to protect Gold Coast’s legendary landscape and animals for tourists and locals.

For fans of the country’s favourite furry friends, the eco-park will include an exciting new koala safe haven in partnership with the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

The koala safe home will help protect the population while also letting Gold Coast residents catch a peak of these beloved animals from the very same precinct they enjoy weekend hikes or family picnics.

The planning process relied on the advice of local sustainability groups and Elders.

The result of this collaboration can be seen in the addition of sites such as an impressive 46-hectare endangered blackbutt forest which aims to protect and rehabilitate this at-risk species.

By preserving the natural areas and introducing community facilities, the Currumbin Valley’s unique natural wonder can actively be appreciated and enjoyed for generations. 

The slated project follows the unveiling of the upcoming Greenheart Project unveiled in 2020.

“The finished 252-hectare parkland will straddle Robina and Merrimac and will be six times larger than the Broadwater Parklands, or about, two-thirds the size of New York’s Central Park,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.

“This first stage will provide a much-needed recreation space with playgrounds, barbecues, picnic area, events lawn and water play area for our growing population.”

The sports precinct planned for Greenheart will cater for 4000 players with ample spectator seating and car parking to be located next to the event quarter.

The proposed event lawn, designed to hold up to 50,000 people, will put Gold Coast on the international touring circuit, providing a state-of-the-art open-air facility.

Greenheart will fuse this passion for community with its care for conservation. In addition to sports and event facilities, the park will renew over 30-hectares of habitat and feeding grounds for birds and other wildlife.

In a recent study by The University of Queensland, the state’s national parks have been found to generate $2.64 billion in annual spending. These new eco-tourist destinations are set to help tap into this market and provide both local and international tourists with premier outdoor experiences. 

Gold Coast’s conservation and environmental projects extend from the hinterland to the coastline, with the region remaining a world leader in coastal management.

Led by the likes of sand nourishment, the coastal management initiatives help widen the Gold Coast beaches to mitigate the effects of erosion while also protecting from the threat of flooding.

“The annual ‘beach boost’ dredging works are essential to ensure our natural resources can be enjoyed for decades to come,” explained Tate.

The strategic placement of sand along the Gold Coast coastline in the most recent initiative has seen a major improvement in beach health. By managing the beach environment, people of all abilities and backgrounds can continue to safely savour the Gold Coast’s world-famous shores.

“Our dredging and beach nourishment programs ensure the Gold Coast’s beaches are in the best condition possible for tourists, residents, swimmers and surfers.”

Beyond locals and holidaymakers, Gold Coast’s beaches are world renowned for its surf breaks which sand nourishing programs help to boost.

The Tweed Sand Bypassing Project, for example, works to transport sand northwards on the coast and has finessed the Snapper Rocks surf break into one of the most famous breaks in the world.

Once the sand is pumped around the Burleigh Headland and Burleigh Beach, natural processes allow the sand tor travel north and nourish other beaches along the coastline.

When nourished, these beaches can also be host to world-class events on the sand, offering residents and visitors for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

In a region like the Gold Coast, natural beaches contribute over $1 billion to the economy each year and it’s coastal resilience projects that help keep this local economy pumping.

“Beaches are vital to the Gold Coast way of life.”

While the region’s beaches and parklands have long been a landmark of the Gold Coast’s tourist and resident experience – effective conservation programs ensure this experience can be enjoyed for generations.